NUC Verifies 18 Degree Programmes in FUAHSE, Paving Way for 2024/2025 Take-Off

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has commenced the verification process for 18 degree programmes at the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE), marking a significant step towards the institution’s launch in the 2024/2025 academic session.

The verification follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval on March 15, 2024, to upgrade the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy to a fully recognized university. Initially, FUAHSE’s Senate approved 22 academic programmes within five health-focused faculties, out of which the NUC selected 18 for assessment, ensuring the institution meets national educational standards.

The inspection, a vital part of preparing the university for operations, includes evaluating the university's compliance with the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which sets a 70% benchmark for program content. The CCMAS standards, implemented since the 2023/2024 session, are critical to maintaining the quality and relevance of higher education in Nigeria. During the exercise, NUC team leader and Academic Planner, Jude Akubue, underscored the importance of the verification, calling it a “historic” moment for FUAHSE and a pivotal milestone in its journey toward full accreditation.

The NUC verification team includes seasoned experts from various institutions, such as Ahmadu Bello University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Babcock University. These experts bring knowledge from diverse academic fields and aim to help FUAHSE establish itself as Nigeria’s first specialized health science university.

In welcoming the NUC team, Acting Vice Chancellor of FUAHSE, Prof. John Emaimo, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the transition. He highlighted the team’s role in shaping the future of FUAHSE, which he said remained “on paper” until academic activities officially commence.

Prof. Emaimo reiterated the university's mission to address critical healthcare needs, stating, “What we are doing is for humanity, intervening to ensure a place for young people in society.” He affirmed the readiness of FUAHSE staff to support the verification exercise fully and to advance the institution’s mission.

FUAHSE’s soon-to-be-launched programmes include Nursing Science, Dental Technology, Public Health, Health Education, and Medical Laboratory Science. These courses are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare sector by producing skilled health professionals prepared to tackle current and future healthcare challenges.

The successful completion of the NUC’s verification process will allow FUAHSE to begin offering these programs, positioning the university as a critical player in Nigeria's healthcare education landscape.